IBHJ vs VYM
iShares iBonds 2030 Term High Yield and Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, IBHJ or VYM?
Long Term High Yield Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBHJ | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $179M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.66% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 297 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -2.22% | +13.91%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.92% | +17.57%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.76% | +18.12%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1%Best | 10.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -4.9%Best | -14.5% |
| $10,000 over 3.2 years | $12,362 | $16,983Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term High Yield Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2023 to Sep 11, 2026 (3.2 years).
IBHJ vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.2 years both funds cover.
IBHJ vs VYM Performance
iShares iBonds 2030 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHJ) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IBHJ returned -0.92% while VYM returned +17.57%. Year to date, IBHJ is down 2.22% versus a gain of 13.91% for VYM.
Over three years, IBHJ compounded at +6.76% per year against +18.12% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.8% compared with 5.1% for IBHJ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -4.9% for IBHJ and -14.5% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBHJ charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBHJ currently yields 6.66% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 249 holdings in IBHJ and 603 in VYM, totalling 83.4% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, IBHJ as of Aug 31, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 249 positions we hold weights for in IBHJ and 603 in VYM, against full books of 297 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IBHJ and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IBHJ or VYM?
IBHJ has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IBHJ or VYM?
Over the past year IBHJ returned -0.92% vs +17.57% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IBHJ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 10.8% annualized versus 5.1% for IBHJ. Worst drawdown: IBHJ -4.9% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both IBHJ and VYM?
IBHJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBHJ or VYM?
IBHJ yields 6.66% while VYM yields 2.22%, so IBHJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than IBHJ?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.